Hedgehog antics

[Stuarts]

Hi, We have two hedgehogs in the garden. One at least regularly comes out early in the evening but both have usually appeared before its dark.
I've got to feeding them dog food which both eat quite happily, and put water out.

On at least 3 occasions that I’ve seen, they have ‘come across’ each other on the lawn, and one starts making a grunting sound, whilst circling the other doing a ‘bouncing’ and jolting movement. This can go on for about an hour. The one in the middle usually stays still and quiet. I'm fairly sure its the same one that does the circling each time.
What is going on here?
Its very familiar to what I thought they do when mating, but its far too late in the year....isn't it ?

Stu

[mbaldw]

Hi Stu,

that's mating. The breeding season runs pretty much from the time they emerge from hibernation until the autumn (hence the phenomenon of autumn orphans). I've had hedgehogs in mating rituals in the garden in the last week-or-so.

Cheers,
Marc.

[HedgehogRescue]

Same here, two of my releases were 'at it' on the doorstep last night. I love these guys but I do wish they were a bit quieter.

[Hedgehoggy]

Ditto! Caught two in the act in my garden again this evening, but the first time I’ve ever thought to grab my camera. Rubbish pics I’m afraid as they were just out of range of my security light, and coupled with me keeping my distance, I had to zoom in with my camera and shoot blindly (even though they were totally oblivious to me!).

[mbaldw]

How cool! I think I might bed-down in the garden tonight with a torch and camera.

Cheers,
Marc.